Rainbows make sales pitch to fans
By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer
Nothing against Mindaugas Burneika and Mike McIntyre, who have both been splendid in reserve roles for the University of Hawai'i men's basketball team this season.
But the Rainbow Warriors are in search of a different kind of sixth man this week when they play host to Boise State tomorrow and Texas-El Paso Saturday. Both games are scheduled to tip off at 7:05 p.m.
"It's been a while since we had a sellout," UH head coach Riley Wallace said. "And it would be a shame if this team never got to play in front of a packed house because this really is one of the great teams we've had here at UH."
Indeed, the 'Bows are having their best season since the "Fabulous Five" era 30 years ago. They are 17-3 overall and sit alone atop the Western Athletic Conference at 8-1.
Only eight teams in NCAA Division I have better records, and the Rainbows' three losses are by a combined nine points.
In the Stan Sheriff Center, Hawai'i has won 11 of 12 games this season. Not one of those games was sold out.
In fact, the Sheriff Center has not sold out for a men's basketball game since March 19, 1998 — the final appearance of the "Dynamic Duo" of Anthony Carter and Alika Smith.
The Sheriff Center has a capacity of 10,300, but over the last four seasons, the closest game to a sellout was the Dec. 27 matchup against Fresno State earlier this season when 9,175 tickets were sold.
"The hardest part is that we used a lot of those tapes to recruit kids to come here," Wallace said. "I'd like for them to experience (a sellout) themselves, because this place can really be a factor when it's packed."
McIntyre was one of those recruits. He is now in his fourth season at Hawai'i, but has yet to play before a capacity crowd.
"I can't wait to see what that's like," McIntyre said after UH's 90-82 victory at Tulsa last Saturday. "I know the fans will come out to support us after what we did."
In truth, time is running out.
The 'Bows have just five home games remaining, including the two this week.
Wallace has been seeking a sellout since the beginning of the season, but said it has nothing to do with personal bonus incentives or increased bargaining power for a new contract for himself after this season.
"It's because this crowd actually helps us win," he said.
Southern Methodist head coach Mike Dement agreed after the 'Bows beat the Mustangs, 83-74, three weeks ago before a crowd of 8,060.
"That's what a home crowd does," Dement said. "Every time we needed a play and they needed a stop, that crowd got into it and we couldn't hear."
At a press conference after UH's victory at Tulsa last Saturday, Wallace announced that there were three "big-time college atmospheres" in the WAC this season: Tulsa, Fresno State and Hawai'i.
"When this place is rocking, it's probably louder than any place in the WAC," Wallace said.
Live television broadcasts of all home games has been cited as the primary reason for the sellout drought, but as Wallace pointed out, "there was live TV when AC and Alika were playing, too."
During the senior season of Carter and Smith (1997-98), the Sheriff Center sold out 13 times.
"I wish the fans knew how much they mean to us," said sophomore guard Carl English. "When that crowd is cheering for you and yelling and screaming at the other team, it gives you that extra adrenaline boost."
• Meet the coaches: Riley Wallace and his assistants are scheduled to appear at a luncheon at the Pagoda Restaurant Feb. 12.
Tickets are $15, and reservations are required. For information, call 956-6501.
